The Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and Rehabilitation) draft Bill, 2021, is set to be presented in Parliament and has garnered support from various organizations. The draft bill defines trafficking as an organized crime and aims to address all forms of trafficking, including sexual exploitation, slavery, servitude, and forced labor. It also proposes a common law to remove inconsistencies between current legislation. The bill also makes the National Investigation Agency responsible for preventing and combating trafficking, and provides for the protection and rehabilitation of victims.
Ray of Hope: India Set to Introduce Comprehensive Anti-Trafficking Bill
Trafficking in persons, a heinous crime that exploits vulnerable individuals for profit, has long been a scourge in India. In a significant step towards combating this menace, the government is set to introduce the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care, and Rehabilitation) draft Bill, 2021, in Parliament. The bill has garnered widespread support from various organizations and stakeholders.
Background
India has been a transit country and destination for victims of trafficking for decades. An estimated 20 million people are trafficked worldwide each year, with India accounting for a significant number. Women and children are disproportionately affected, being targeted for sexual exploitation, forced labor, domestic servitude, and organ trade.
Key Provisions of the Draft Bill
The draft bill seeks to address all forms of trafficking, including sexual exploitation, slavery, servitude, and forced labor. It defines trafficking as an organized crime and aims to tackle the root causes and drivers of this issue. The key provisions of the bill include:
Support for the Bill
The draft bill has received widespread support from various stakeholders, including:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: What is the current status of the bill? A1: The draft bill is currently being reviewed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs.
Q2: When is the bill expected to be passed? A2: The timeline for the bill's passage is not clear, but it is expected to be presented in Parliament soon.
Q3: What are the key challenges in combating trafficking in India? A3: Challenges include lack of awareness, stigma, weak law enforcement, and corruption.
Q4: What have been the major initiatives taken by the government to combat trafficking in the past? A4: The government has launched initiatives such as the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act.
Q5: What can individuals do to help prevent trafficking? A5: Individuals can raise awareness, report suspicious activity, support organizations working against trafficking, and challenge societal norms that tolerate exploitation.
Conclusion
The Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care, and Rehabilitation) draft Bill, 2021, represents a significant step forward in India's fight against human trafficking. The bill has the potential to strengthen law enforcement, protect victims, and create a more comprehensive and effective framework for combating this heinous crime. With the support of all stakeholders, India can take a bold step towards creating a society free from the horrors of human trafficking.
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